Top 6 Diet Tips
We all know the simple equation for weight loss is: Eat less – move more. If it were that simple, we wouldn’t struggle so hard to reach weight loss goals. While it does boil down to this basic equation, we all need a little help to get where we’re going. These tips are simple and easy to follow and will help you stay on the right track. Getting into a routine now, and sticking with it, will help you shed the pounds and keep it off in the long run.
Don’t Drink Your Calories
All too often, people think they are hungry when the truth is, they are thirsty. Try drinking water or other zero calorie beverages (not diet soda!) like coffee and unsweet tea throughout the day. Whenever hunger strikes, drink a full glass of water, and wait to start your meal. If, as suspected, you’re not actually hungry, the water will make you feel full and you may not need to eat that meal you just sat down to after all!
Switch Mentalities
When most of us think of dieting, we think of taking away what we can’t have, which puts us in a deprivation mentality. When we stop torturing ourselves by focusing on what we cannot and should not have, and turn our focus to the things we can add and should have in our diet, the positive mindset helps. Focus on adding fruits and vegetables until you reach the 5-9 daily servings mark. Find those healthy things that you love to eat and pretty soon, you’ll notice a change in how you think about what you can’t have.
Choose Healthy Nighttime Snacks
Don’t allow yourself to sit in front of the TV with a full bag of chips. You will eat out of habit – not hunger. Instead, choose an hour to shut down the kitchen. Choose a time to allow yourself a sensible, healthy snack. Then, stay out of the kitchen. It might also be helpful to keep some motivating notes on your fridge or cabinet to help keep you on the right track. Everything helps!
Allow Yourself to Have Your Favorites
Don’t remove your favorite foods from your diet. Instead, buy a single cookie from the bakery, rather than an entire box. Opt for lower fat cheeses when you make your lasagna. Look for ways to slim down your favorite recipes, and then keep your portions under control. If you don’t allow yourself to give in to your cravings sometimes, it’s likely you’ll fall off the wagon more often, making it difficult to get back on track. Remember, moderation is key!
Have Treats Outside the House
When you want to a have a treat, do so outside the house. Go out for ice cream, and you will not be tempted to have another bowl later if it is in your freezer. Plus, portion control is easier because you can always order the smallest one available. If that is still too big, share it with a friend. People tend to eat more at home than when they are out anyway, so this tip can prove especially helpful to you if you have trouble with treats.
Eat Mini-Meals
Rather than eating three large meals a day, stick to five to six smaller meals throughout the day. This keeps you from getting too hungry between meals, which curbs the potential for overeating at the next meal time. Better appetite control makes easier weight loss. Plus, eating frequent, smaller meals throughout the day means you get a lot of variety in your daily diet. This way, you won’t get bored and can hopefully control those cravings!
